Max Verstappen says Formula 1 “won’t change the world” and can’t solve complex political and social issues in a country, but the sport should nevertheless continue to share its positive values where it travels.
Formula 1's presence in Saudi Arabia remains a contentious issue. Since 2021, critics have denounced it as "sportswashing”, accusing the Kingdom of exploiting prestigious events such as its home Grand Prix to distract from human rights violations and project a more positive image.
Questioned on the topic last weekend in Jeddah, Verstappen acknowledged the concerns but suggested a more nuanced approach, acknowledging the need for change but also recognizing the potential for gradual progress.
"I think with sport in general, there are a lot of things that you can achieve everywhere in the world," he told the media.
"Of course, we are not into politics, that's a whole different story, and I think also it's very important that sport is sport, politics are politics.
"Sometimes people like to be in the middle of it, I prefer to just focus on sport, otherwise, I would have been a politician, but that's not my expertise and definitely not where I want to end up as well.”
While steering clear of political commentary and insisting that F1 isn’t a world-changing force, the Red Bull driver pointed to what he perceived as positive changes in Saudi Arabia since F1's arrival, suggesting a gradual path to progress.
"At the end of the day, every single country has their own flaws, but also positive sides, and we are not going to change the world at the end of the day as a sport, but we try to share positive values,” he added.
"It's also up to the country to make positive changes. I do think that since we have been here already there have been some really nice positive changes and you have to respect that and sometimes you know it takes a bit longer in some countries.”
Ultimately, he viewed the situation as a work in progress, with both F1 and individual countries playing a role.
"I think it's very positive and it's great to see and also great to meet a new culture as well for everyone to get educated on that as well, because everyone is a little bit different around the world wherever you go, and you have to respect that,” said the three-time F1 world champion.
"But then, of course, also, wherever you're from, your country, there are always things that can be done better, so it's a work in progress in general."
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